Smith Center Kelly Bradley Receives Statewide Arts Education Award

6/9/2012 6:52:05 AM

Kelly Bradley, Executive Director of The Smith Center for the Arts, was given the Verna Mulholland Friend of Education Award last month after being recognized with a statewide award for her commitment to arts education in the Finger Lakes. She received the award at the Delta Kappa Gamma International's Pi State Scholarship and Awards Lunch in Syracuse.

The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International is a professional Honorary Society of women educators that promotes professional and personal growth of its members and excellence in education. The Mulholland award acknowledges an individual not in the teaching profession who has improved educational opportunities.

Bradley says children become dependent on things like iPads and computers and they lose touch with reality. She says that sharing live art with children is a surefire way to make them appreciate the arts as they grow older. Sandy Bissell, Chair of the Smith Center Board of Trustees, said this award to Bradley shows her dedication to bringing the arts to the Finger Lakes.

More creativity is in the works, since Bradley's newest project involves the Geneva Boys and Girls Club's Black Box Theatre. There will be theater workshop opportunities that will allow high-risk children to work in theater production and performance. These kids will be working on productions that portray issues in their lives.

Bradley is an active member in the community and is a member of a variety of organizations, including the Geneva Rotary Club, Friends of the Geneva Public Library, the Finger Lakes Health Foundation Board, Lake to Lake Professional Women, Zonta and the Geneva Area Chamber of Commerce Tourism Council.